Progesterone is a key hormone produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and placenta during a woman's menstrual cycle and pregnancy. It is commonly known as the "pregnancy hormone" due to its essential role in supporting the functions of early pregnancy if conception occurs.
Progesterone:
Progesterone works in harmony with estrogen during the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise whether or not pregnancy occurs. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone rises rapidly and helps prevent additional ovulations. It supports the uterine lining to provide nutrients for an early embryo. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels drop, and the uterine lining sheds during the monthly period.
"Maintaining adequate progesterone is key in the early stages of pregnancy," says Dr. Sarah Wu of Hormone Harmony Clinic.
Some women have progesterone deficiency due to conditions like PCOS or ovarian insufficiency. This can cause irregular cycles and problems with getting and staying pregnant. Progesterone therapy may help in some cases.
As Dr. Wu explains, "We offer bioidentical progesterone supplements for women with deficiency. This may help regulate cycles, prepare the uterine lining for embryo implantation and support pregnancy."
So in summary, progesterone is an essential reproductive hormone with key roles in the ovulation cycle, embryo implantation, and early support of pregnancy. Deficiencies can occur and possibly be helped with bioidentical hormone therapy.
I hope this overview on the key roles of progesterone helps explain why it's called the "pregnancy hormone" and how maintaining adequate levels through natural cycles or possibly supplements supports fertility and early pregnancy. Let me know if you have any other questions!